| The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Coping Strategies in Different Positions of Basketball Players |
| Paper ID : 1738-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Negin Heydari Vincheh1, Hassan Gharayagh Zandi *2, Alireza Rostami Zaveleh2 1Department of Sports Psychology, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran 2Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Several studies have examined the Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and their impact on athletic performance and behavior. However, the relationship between these traits and coping strategies in team sports remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Dark Triad personality traits and coping strategies among basketball players according to their position on the court. Methods: The research was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of basketball players in Iran in 2025. A total of 203 male and female athletes (aged 18–30) were randomly sampled. Participants completed the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (Jonason & Webster, 2010) and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Endler & Parker, 1990). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation. Results: The results showed a weak positive and significant relationship between coping strategies and narcissism (p < 0.001). Non-significant relationships were found with psychopathy or Machiavellianism (p > 0.05). Among point guards, power forwards, and centers, coping strategies showed non-significant relationships with any of the Dark Triad traits (p > 0.05). For both shooting guards and small forwards, coping strategies showed a positive and significant relationship with narcissism (p < 0.05), with the relationship being stronger among shooting guards. Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between Dark Triad personality traits and coping strategies enhances our ability to attribute personality traits in athletic contexts. The study showed a significant relationship between narcissism and coping strategies among basketball players, especially in certain playing positions. While non-significant relationships were found with psychopathy or Machiavellianism. These findings suggest that personality traits like narcissism may influence how athletes manage stress and challenges. |
| Keywords |
| Basketball player, Dark triad personality traits, Coping strategy |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
